Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has signed an engine fleet enhancement programme (FEP) agreement with Air New Zealand in which a new engine is exchanged for a time-expired core engine.

The FEP for Air NZ will see the installation of more than 60 PT6A-67D and PW127M engines powering Beech 1900D and ATR 72-500 aircraft respectively. The aircraft are part of the respective fleets operated by Air New Zealand regional subsidiaries, Eagle Airways and Mount Cook Airline.

“For operators like Air New Zealand, a FEP is a great alternative to overhauling high-time engines,” explained Raffaele Virgili, vice-president, customer service, P&WC. “The programme provides factory-fresh engines that feature the latest in technology, a new-engine factory warranty programme, new life-limited components and increased resale value.

“With a FEP there is also the additional benefit of not having to deploy rental engines while overhauls are completed,” added Virgili. “A fleet enhancement programme can bring added value to operators with high-time, high-cycle engines that are coming due for overhaul.”